The upcoming defense investments in Greenland should not only result in new facilities and infrastructure. They must also strengthen local businesses, create jobs and educational opportunities, and build skills that will remain in Greenland. That was Mayor Avaaraq Olsen’s message during a business and security policy seminar in Nuuk.
From September 8 to 10, Interforce and the Confederation of Danish Industry, in collaboration with the Defense Command, held a business and security policy seminar in Nuuk. A delegation of top executives from some of Denmark’s largest construction and civil engineering companies participated in the event.
Mayor Avaaraq Olsen participated in the discussion on investments in the coming years and opportunities for collaboration between the Danish Armed Forces and Danish and Greenlandic companies.
– We welcome the investments and the collaboration. But as mayor, it’s important to me that the development coming to our municipality also creates value for the people and businesses that are already here. This development must happen with us—not for us,” says Mayor Avaaraq Olsen.
Local businesses should be part of the development
The Sermersooq Municipal Authority already has companies and professionals with extensive experience in fields such as construction, transportation, logistics, consulting, and maritime industries. The upcoming investments will provide an opportunity to build on these competencies while also fostering new partnerships.
For Mayor Avaaraq Olsen, it is important that outside companies wishing to invest or carry out projects in Greenland actively seek to collaborate with local businesses.
– We already have a strong and capable business community. If companies from outside Greenland want to invest and operate here, I would encourage them to find local partners and build on the knowledge and expertise that already exist. It’s about creating equal partnerships where we develop together and where a larger share of the value stays in Greenland,” says Avaaraq Olsen.
Citizens should be able to feel the impact of these investments
For Avaaraq Olsen, the upcoming investments are also about what they will leave behind for citizens and future generations. Large-scale projects can create jobs and growth, but also apprenticeships, internships, and new opportunities for young people.
– When we look back in ten years, we shouldn’t just see new buildings, ports, and other infrastructure. We should also be able to see stronger Greenlandic businesses, more educated young people, new jobs, and skills that have remained here. Our society should be stronger as a result, says Avaaraq Olsen.
The Sermersooq Municipal Authority will continue its dialogue with the Danish Armed Forces, government agencies, and the business community on how upcoming investments can create the greatest possible local and long-term value.
